UNDER THE CUSHIONS

One of the biggest misconceptions about graphic design is that it starts with visuals — a logo, a color palette, a website. But the strongest design projects usually begin somewhere simpler: clarity. In this first chapter of The Pink Couch Guide to Brand Clarity, I explore why understanding your story and direction before opening design software leads to stronger, more meaningful work.

Winter in Door County has a way of slowing everything down. The trails empty, the air sharpens, and the pace of daily life softens into something quieter. With fewer distractions and more stillness, I’ve noticed myself paying attention differently—lingering a little longer, rushing a little less, and letting moments unfold without trying to move past them. I’m slowing down enough to really notice details again—the way snow settles on tree branches, how light shifts throughout

Last summer, I swapped designing pixels for pouring pints and found myself rediscovering creativity in unexpected places. What started as a search for community turned into a season of chalkboards, conversations, and small moments that mattered more than I anticipated. Stepping away from my design studio didn’t mean leaving creativity behind—it simply showed up differently. This is a story about slowing down, finding your people, and remembering that creativity doesn’t always

Discover how embracing creativity enhances well-being and growth. See how Pink Couch Creative's company zine serves as a vibrant refuge.

In a fast-scrolling world, print makes us pause. From stickers to zines, analog design creates real, lasting connections.

A little glimpse into what made the ad jingles of the 1980s so unforgettable and what lessons modern brands can learn from them.